The skipper of the Maersk Alabama, rescued by Navy sharpshooters after being taken captive by Somali pirates, appeared weary but relieved. His family greeted him as he stepped off a private jet at the airport in Burlington, Vt.

With crowds cheering, Phillips’ daughter, Mariah, bounded up the steps and wrapped her arms around him. His wife, Andrea, son, Daniel, and mother, Virginia, followed a few steps behind.

“Having Richard back safe is all my family and I ever wanted. Our prayers have been answered and we have a lot of things to be thankful for,” Andrea said.

The 53-year-old Phillips, whose arms were cut and marked by the ropes pirates used to bind him, showed signs of his ordeal. But he was quick to downplay his bravery and thank others for his safe return.

“I’m just a bit part in this story, just a small part,” he said. “I’m just a seaman, like all the other seamen out there. I’m not the hero. The military is the hero. Thank them.

Wearing a cap bearing the ship’s name, Phillips also was eager to praise the 19 members of his crew who managed to force the pirates off their ship, although they were unable to stop them from taking Phillips with them.

“I want to thank my crew,” he said. “We did it. I told you it wasn’t going to be if, it was going to be when. And we did what we trained to do. My crew did an excellent job and I’m so happy they are home and with their loved ones.”

Phillips and his family then hopped into an SUV and headed back to their modest white farmhouse — garlanded with signs and ribbons — in the tiny town of Underhill. There, his favorite beer, a chicken pot pie and brownies were waiting for him.

Residents of the town, population 2,800, were overjoyed to have him home. Across the street from their house, a sign reading “Welcome Home Captain Phillips” hung from the middle school.

“This is a triumph,” said Kathy Wright, 49, a nurse who works with Phillips’ wife.

“He’s home safe and sound. That’s a huge triumph to come home safe and sound after such a harrowing experience. Thank God he’s home safe.”

Another resident, Lynn Coeby, said: “We’re so proud of him. We think he has such character and morals and ethics to potentially put his life at risk for his crew.”

There are no immediate plans for a parade or public celebration. The family has indicated they are reluctant to embrace their newfound celebrity.